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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The role of carbohydrates in seed germination and seedling establishment of Himatanthus sucuuba, an Amazonian tree with populations adapted to flooded and non-flooded conditions

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Author(s):
Ferreira, Cristiane da Silva [1, 2] ; Fernandez Piedade, Maria Teresa [2] ; Silva Tine, Marco Aurelio [3] ; Rossatto, Davi Rodrigo [1] ; Parolin, Pia [4] ; Buckeridge, Marcos Silveira [5]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Brasilia, Dept Bot, BR-70904970 Brasilia, DF - Brazil
[2] INPA, Projeto INPA Max Planck, BR-69011970 Manaus, Amazonas - Brazil
[3] Inst Bot Secao Fisiol & Bioquim Plantas, BR-04301012 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[4] Univ Hamburg, Dept Plant Systemat, Bioctr Klein Flottbek, Hamburg - Germany
[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Bot, BR-05422970 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: ANNALS OF BOTANY; v. 104, n. 6, p. 1111-1119, NOV 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 29
Abstract

Background and Aims In the Amazonian floodplains plants withstand annual periods of flooding which can last 7 months. Under these conditions seedlings remain submerged in the dark for long periods since light penetration in the water is limited. Himatanthus sucuuba is a tree species found in the `varzea' (VZ) floodplains and adjacent non-flooded `terra-firme' (TF) forests. Biochemical traits which enhance flood tolerance and colonization success of H. sucuuba in periodically flooded environments were investigated. Methods Storage carbohydrates of seeds of VZ and TF populations were extracted and analysed by HPAEC/PAD. Starch was analysed by enzyme (glucoamylase) degradation followed by quantification of glucose oxidase. Carbohydrate composition of roots of VZ and TF seedlings was studied after experimental exposure to a 15-d period of submersion in light versus darkness. Key Results The endosperm contains a large proportion of the seed reserves, raffinose being the main nonstructural carbohydrate. Around 93% of the cell wall storage polysaccharides (percentage dry weight basis) in the endosperm of VZ seeds was composed of mannose, while soluble sugars accounted for 2.5%. In contrast, 74% of the endosperm in TF seeds was composed of galactomannans, while 22% of the endosperm was soluble sugars. This suggested a larger carbohydrate allocation to germination in TF populations whereas VZ populations allocate comparatively more to carbohydrates mobilized during seedling development. The concentration of root non-structural carbohydrates in non-flooded seedlings strongly decreased after a 15-d period of darkness, whereas flooded seedlings were less affected. These effects were more pronounced in TF seedlings, which showed significantly lower root non-structural carbohydrate concentrations. Conclusions There seem to be metabolic adjustments in VZ but not TF seedlings that lead to adaptation to the combined stresses of darkness and flooding. This seems to be important for the survival of the species in these contrasting environments, leading these populations to different directions during evolution. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 98/05124-8 - Conservation and sustainable use of the plant biodiversity from the cerrado and Atlantic Forest: the storage of carbohydrates and their role on the adaptation and maintainance of plants in their natural environment
Grantee:Marcos Silveira Buckeridge
Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants